Customs FOU Zone A Urges Police, Agencies to Boost Anti-Smuggling Fight

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security organizations to effectively tackle smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities. This appeal was made by the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, during a familiarisation visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja. The visit, which began on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, forms part of a wider strategy to foster inter-agency cooperation among law enforcement bodies in Lagos, as detailed in a statement released on Friday by Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the unit’s Public Relations Officer.

During his address, Afeni highlighted the critical importance of closer synergy among security outfits, especially as the nation draws closer to the election period. He remarked, “We know that crime rates often increase as the country approaches the election period, as some people may attempt to take advantage of the period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of causing crises during the elections. Therefore, we are here to call for closer synergy so that these bad elements do not have their way.”

The Acting Comptroller further explained that the mandate of the Federal Operations Unit extends beyond mere border enforcement, encompassing the protection of national interests through robust intelligence sharing and well-coordinated operations. He stressed that no single security agency can effectively combat criminal enterprises in isolation, underscoring the necessity for sustained cooperation and mutual information exchange among all relevant institutions.

Afeni also acknowledged the Nigeria Police Force’s commendable capacity for intelligence gathering, advocating for the reinforcement of existing relationships to enhance the effectiveness of security operations across the board.

In response, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, expressed his appreciation for the visit. He described the partnership between the Customs Service and the Police as a long-standing tradition that has significantly contributed to their operational successes. Fatai stated, “In Lagos, we have a very strong and robust relationship with all security agencies, notwithstanding the huge population of the state.”

The Customs delegation also extended their visits to other key security establishments in Ikeja, including the Department of State Services, the Headquarters of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Strategic Command, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

At the Headquarters of the 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, the General Officer Commanding, received the Acting Comptroller. Major General Babalola reiterated the essence of combined efforts in addressing criminality and cautioned against any bureaucratic hurdles that could hinder operational efficiency.

These engagements provided a platform for the participating agencies to discuss practical avenues for cooperation, such as joint intelligence sharing, collaborative operations, exchange of vital information, and the enforcement of pertinent laws within Lagos and the broader operational jurisdiction of FOU Zone A. All agencies reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to maintaining cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service to bolster security and enforcement activities. The Customs Service concluded that these visits underscore FOU Zone A’s unwavering dedication to collaborative enforcement in support of national security, revenue protection, trade facilitation, and Nigeria’s economic interests.